When finished

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "When finished" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate a point in time when a task or activity has been completed. Example: "Please submit your report when finished so we can review it."

✓ Grammatically correct

Wiki

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

When finished, rinse off your legs.

WikiHow

When finished, click Convert.

WikiHow

When finished, stand.

WikiHow

When finished click OK.

WikiHow

When finished, click Continue.

WikiHow

When finished, clean the tweezers.

WikiHow

When finished, comb it again.

WikiHow

When finished, rinse your underarms.

WikiHow

When finished, save the work.

WikiHow

When finished, watch each video.

WikiHow

When finished, restart the computer.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "When finished" to clearly indicate the sequence of actions, ensuring the reader understands the timing.

Common error

Avoid using "When finished" if the subsequent action is not directly related to the completion of the first task. Ensure a clear cause-and-effect relationship.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "When finished" functions as an adverbial clause of time, indicating when an action is completed. It modifies the main clause by providing a time frame for the action described in the main clause. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is a correct usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Wiki

75%

News & Media

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "When finished" is a grammatically sound and frequently used adverbial clause of time that signals the completion of an action. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness. Its primary function is to clearly indicate the sequence of events, providing a timeframe for subsequent actions. While it is most commonly found in Wiki and How-to guides, it is versatile enough for use in news, media, and even formal business contexts. For more formal settings, alternatives such as "upon completion" or "after completion" may be preferred.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Upon completion

Focuses on the state of being complete rather than the act of finishing.

Once completed

Emphasizes the point in time after something is done.

After completion

Highlights the sequence of events, placing the finishing before the next action.

On finishing

A more concise way to express the same concept, suitable for specific contexts.

Having concluded

More formal and emphasizes the act of bringing something to an end.

With the completion of

Highlights the result of the action.

Subsequent to finishing

A more formal way of indicating the timing of events after completion.

Following the conclusion of

A more elaborate and formal way to express the same idea.

At the end

Offers a broader, less specific way of indicating completion.

As soon as it's done

More casual and emphasizes the immediacy of the next action.

FAQs

How can I use "When finished" in a sentence?

You can use "When finished" to indicate the completion of an action before another one starts. For example, "When finished, please submit your report".

Are there more formal alternatives to "When finished"?

Yes, you can use more formal alternatives like "upon completion" or "after completion" for a more professional tone.

What's the difference between "When finished" and "After finishing"?

"When finished" emphasizes a specific point in time upon completion, while "After finishing" emphasizes the sequence of events. They are often interchangeable, but the slight difference in emphasis can be useful depending on the context.

Can I use "When finished" at the beginning of a sentence?

Yes, "When finished" can be used at the beginning of a sentence to introduce a dependent clause, followed by the main clause indicating the subsequent action.